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Home » Recipes » Chicken Casseroles

Chicken Potato Chip Casserole (Hot Chicken Salad)

Published: Sep 3, 2023 · Updated: Feb 29, 2024 by Marye

Chicken potato chip casserole is also called hot chicken salad. It's a traditional Southern recipe that still makes it to most potlucks and church picnics. Best way to use up those pieces of potato chips at the bottom of the bag!
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 25 minutes minutes
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A closeup of the casserole.
A spoonful of potato chip casserole being lifted from the dish with a text overlay for Pinterest.

This vintage recipe was written on the back of a church bulletin and stuck in my mom's recipe collection. There was no way I wasn't going to share it with y'all.

Don't want to scroll through the page to get to the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on the section you want to go to.

Closeup of casserole with a serving removed.
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 How to store leftovers
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • Chicken is a favorite ingredient here in the South and this traditional recipe will remind you of pearls and church potlucks.
  • This is a great way to use up leftover chicken for dinner on busy nights.
  • How crushed is crushed when it comes to potato chips? Find out in the tips section.

Chicken potato chip casserole (AKA hot chicken salad here in the South) is an easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy.

After all, the kids just have to hear you say "potato chips," and they'll be convinced—it's the best kind of comfort food around!

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for chicken potato chip casserole

📖 Variations

  • The chicken part of this recipe is very easy—use whatever cut and cooking method you prefer. Poach thighs, cook chicken breasts in the crockpot, or use a leftover rotisserie chicken. You really can't go wrong! Here's more help for cooking chicken for casseroles
  • Have some turkey to use up? You can use it in place of chicken.
  • Some home cooks like to use water chestnuts instead of celery.
  • Monterey Jack is our favorite for this tasty meal, but white or sharp cheddar cheese is just as delicious.
  • Stir in cooked rice (try Minute rice) to make the meal stretch further.
  • It's not chicken potato chip casserole without the crunchy chips—don't skip 'em! If you're not a BBQ fan, use the cheddar and sour cream flavor.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Step by step images showing how to make this recipe.
  1. Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Prep baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon in the chicken mixture.
  3. Top with remaining shredded cheese...
  4. ... and the crushed potato chips. Bake until the top of the casserole is crisp and the inside is heated through.

🥫 How to store leftovers

This potato chip chicken casserole recipe isn't difficult to make, eat, or store—and, reheated properly, it tastes just as good the next day.

Let the leftovers cool before covering the casserole dish with plastic. You can also transfer them to a smaller airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to four days.

I recommend reheating this casserole in the oven to prevent the potato chip topping from getting soggy. Just do so until it's warmed through.

However, you can quickly heat individual portions in the microwave, too. Simply top each bowl off with fresh, crunchy potato chips before serving, and it'll taste good as new!

This recipe does not freeze well.

Overhead view of chicken casserole dished up.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: For deliciously crispy potato chips, don't crush them into small pieces—they'll get mushy. Simply break them down to a size that's easier to fit on your fork.

  • Seal the chips in a heavy-duty plastic bag to crush them without making a mess. (Kids always like to "help" with this step!)
  • Picky eaters don't like the texture of onion? No worries. For each cup of diced onion, you can substitute one tablespoon of onion powder. So, for this recipe, substitute ¼ tablespoon (or a little less than one teaspoon.)
  • Toast the almonds on a baking sheet while your oven preheats. It should only take about eight minutes when the temperature is near 350 F.
  • Make green onions last longer by placing them, stem-side down, into a jar filled with an inch of water (replace the water every two days.) Then, cover the tops of the onions with a plastic bag and refrigerate.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time and freeze it?

Sure thing! Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding just a few minutes if necessary. To keep your crunchy topping crunchy, leave the chips off until you're ready to bake.

Why is this casserole called "hot chicken salad?"

With the chunks of tender chicken, crisp celery, and creamy sauce, it's very similar to a traditional chicken salad—like the kind you'd scoop onto a croissant. The only difference is that we add chips and bake it until it's steaming hot and everyone in the house is drooling.

How do I know when it's finished cooking?

Chicken potato chip casserole is low-stress. Since all of the ingredients are cooked, you just warm it up. If you're not sure it's hot inside, check with a thermometer—aim for 165 degrees F.

Closeup of a bowl of casserole ready to eat.

📚 Related recipes

  • Of all the easy chicken casserole recipes, Chicken with Stuffing is the winner—classic flavor with just four ingredients and five minutes of prep.
  • Mexican Chicken Casserole with Doritos is a hearty meal that will excite the whole family. It's zesty, creamy, and just as addictive as the chips!
  • Looking for a more traditional Southern-Style Chicken Salad? This one is creamy, filled with texture, and would make any Texas grandma proud.
  • A crunchy topped casserole with a serving spoon in it.
    Pineapple Casserole
  • Overhead view of ground beef and green bean casserole with crispy onion rings on top.
    Green Bean and Ground Beef Casserole
  • Chile chicken bubble up being removed from a casserole dish.
    Chile Chicken Bubble Up Bake
  • Amish breakfast casserole in a white dish.
    Amish Breakfast Casserole

🍽️ Serve with...

  • You can't go wrong with a simple tossed salad, but if you're looking for more flavor, try this zesty Italian Green Bean Salad.
  • Texas Knot Rolls make any meal stretch—easy carbs are a saving grace when you have an army of hungry teenagers to feed!
  • Finish your meal with a light and sweet Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie. Whether you're cooking for the family or for a potluck, everyone loves it.

Overhead view of the casserole.

📞 The last word

Just one bite of this brings back so many memories. It's one of those vintage recipes that I hope never gets forgotten.

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If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars!

📖 Recipe

A closeup of the casserole.

Chicken Potato Chip Casserole

4.80 from 5 votes
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Chicken potato chip casserole is also called hot chicken salad. It's a traditional Southern recipe that still makes it to most potlucks and church picnics. Best way to use up those pieces of potato chips at the bottom of the bag!
Course Casserole,Main Dish - Chicken,Main Dish (Quick and Easy)
Cuisine American - Southern,American - Vintage
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings:6
Calories:586
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chicken breast, cooked and cubed
  • 2 cups celery, sliced
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated from a block divided use
  • 2 cups bbq potato chips, slightly crushed
  • Green onions for garnish.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Grate the cheese.
  • Spray a 2 to 2 ½ quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl combine all ingredients except ¾ cup of the grated cheese and the potato chips.
  • Spoon chicken mixture in the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  • Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with crushed potato chips.
  • Bake, uncovered, in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Storage:
Let the leftovers cool before covering the casserole dish with plastic. You can also transfer them to a smaller airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to four days.
I recommend reheating this casserole in the oven to prevent the potato chip topping from getting soggy. Just do so until it's warmed through.
Tips:
  • Don't break the chips up too small, they'll get soggy.
  • Seal the chips in a heavy-duty plastic bag to crush them without making a mess. 
  • Picky eaters don't like the texture of onion? No worries. For each cup of diced onion, you can substitute one tablespoon of onion powder. So, for this recipe, substitute ¼ tablespoon (or a little less than one teaspoon.)
  • Toast the almonds on a baking sheet while your oven preheats. It should only take about eight minutes when the temperature is near 350 F.
  • Make green onions last longer by placing them, stem-side down, into a jar filled with an inch of water (replace the water every two days.) Then, cover the tops of the onions with a plastic bag and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 805mg | Potassium: 807mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 410IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 259mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    4.80 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Phyllis says

    May 08, 2025 at 8:17 pm

    5 stars
    I did make this I like the chicken better for a kick you can use Flaming Hot Cheetos I had some handy and that's what I done

    Reply
  2. Leslie says

    November 02, 2024 at 1:04 pm

    5 stars
    I have made this many times. It is terrific and easy. I often mix it up without the chips and freeze it without baking. After thawing the chips go on. It is also good if it is frozen after baking.

    Reply
  3. Leslie says

    May 26, 2024 at 11:19 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is terrific. It is easy, fast, and very forgiving. For a small family, put it in two 8x8 pans. Bake one and freeze the other. Everyone loves it, even my picky grandson. Thank you for sharing it.

    Reply
  4. Camden Rusincovitch says

    September 28, 2023 at 11:34 pm

    I have a variation of hot chicken salad for lunch pretty often-- I'm excited to try this recipe out to add some variety to my routine!

    Reply
  5. Alyssa says

    September 25, 2023 at 1:50 pm

    This hot chicken salad looks amazing. I am always looking for quick and easy weeknight meals. This is getting added to the list!

    Reply
  6. Brittany says

    September 21, 2023 at 3:06 pm

    I'm adding this hot chicken salad recipe to the menu plan now!

    Reply
  7. Cynthia Rusincovitch says

    September 19, 2023 at 12:12 pm

    I love chicken salad but have never tried it hot. I am intrigued! I will let you know what the family thinks of hot chicken salad... considering it includes potato chips, I'm betting on a positive review!

    Reply
  8. Kristen says

    September 19, 2023 at 9:31 am

    Oh my gosh!!! My mom used to make this chicken potato chip casserole all the time when I was little and I have been searching for a recipe for YEARS, but it's never quite right. This looks just like the one she made and I'm so excited to try it!

    Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

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